Easy Sweet Sticky Honey Bun Cake From Cake Mix Recipe

Cake mix honey bun cake that’s sweet and sticky offers an easy route to a delectable dessert, blending simplicity with irresistible flavor and satisfying texture.

This delightful treat reimagines the classic honey bun in cake form, achieving a remarkably moist and tender crumb soaked in a luscious, caramelized glaze. The recipe cleverly utilizes a cake mix as its base, streamlining the baking process without compromising on the final product’s decadent taste.

Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of this cake: the soft, airy interior yields effortlessly, giving way to a burst of sweet honey and warm cinnamon. The sticky glaze, rich and deeply flavored, coats every inch of the cake, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that dance on the palate. Its aroma alone, a blend of sugary sweetness and comforting spice, is enough to evoke feelings of warmth and indulgence.

Honey buns, in their various forms, have long been a beloved comfort food, offering a simple yet satisfying pleasure. This cake adaptation taps into that nostalgic appeal, providing a familiar flavor profile in a new and exciting format. Its a dessert that speaks to both the seasoned baker and the novice alike, promising a rewarding outcome with minimal effort.

One of the most appealing aspects of this cake is its accessibility. A cake mix provides a foolproof foundation, while the glaze comes together quickly with readily available ingredients. Its inherent adaptability also shines through, as bakers can experiment with different spices, nuts, or even a hint of citrus to personalize the flavor profile. This makes it a practical choice for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a fuss-free dessert.

Variations abound, from adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter to incorporating a cream cheese swirl for extra richness. Some bakers opt for a brown butter glaze to enhance the caramelized notes, while others might drizzle a simple confectioners’ sugar glaze on top for a lighter finish. Regardless of the specific approach, the end result is always a crowd-pleasing treat.

Ready to experience the joy of a cake mix honey bun cake that’s sweet and sticky? Follow along for the step-by-step recipe and create your own slice of sweet, sticky perfection.

Recipe Metadata

• Categories: Baking, Holiday Recipes, Fall Recipes, Summer Recipes
• Courses: Desserts
• Cuisines: American
• Keywords: cake mix, honey, cinnamon, easy dessert, quick bake

Estimated Cost: $12.00 total

Preparation Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Recipe Yield: Serves 12 people

Ingredients

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

• Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
• Step 2: Create the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
• Step 3: Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle evenly with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Pour the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
• Step 4: Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Step 5: Prepare the Honey Glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the honey glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the honey and milk. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.
• Step 6: Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is out of the oven, immediately poke holes all over the top of the cake with a fork. Slowly pour the honey glaze evenly over the hot cake, allowing it to soak in.
• Step 7: Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

For a richer flavor, brown the butter for the glaze before adding the honey and milk. If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with plain yogurt.

Nutritional Information

Approximate nutritional values per serving (1 slice):

Essential Cooking Equipment

The preparation of this cake requires the following essential kitchen tools and equipment:

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Fork
• Oven

Variations

Numerous adaptations can elevate the standard recipe and cater to various preferences and dietary needs:

• Ingredient Swaps: Substituting brown sugar for granulated sugar in the cinnamon swirl can impart a deeper, molasses-like flavor. Applesauce can replace a portion of the vegetable oil for a slightly healthier and more moist cake.
• Regional Twists: A hint of cardamom or nutmeg in the cinnamon-sugar mixture introduces a warm, aromatic complexity. Incorporating a streusel topping of oats, flour, butter, and sugar before baking provides a delightful textural contrast.
• Dietary Adjustments: Gluten-free cake mixes can be used to accommodate gluten sensitivities. Dairy-free sour cream and butter alternatives can make the recipe suitable for those with lactose intolerance. Reducing the amount of sugar in both the cake and the glaze can lower the overall sweetness for individuals monitoring their sugar intake.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is versatile and can be served in a variety of settings. It is equally appropriate as a dessert after a casual weeknight dinner or as part of a more elaborate brunch spread. When serving, consider warming individual slices slightly to enhance the gooeyness of the glaze. The cake pairs exceptionally well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a simple cup of coffee or tea.

Storage Tips

To maintain optimal freshness, the cake should be stored properly. Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, the cake can be refrigerated for up to a week. When refrigerating, be aware that the glaze may become slightly firmer, but it will soften again at room temperature. The cake can also be frozen for up to two months. Thaw completely at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Question 1: Can the cake be made ahead of time? The cake can be baked a day in advance and stored at room temperature. Glaze just before serving for best results.
• Question 2: Can other types of cake mix be used? While yellow cake mix is recommended, other flavors like spice cake or butter pecan can also be used for a different flavor profile.
• Question 3: How can the cake be prevented from sticking to the pan? Ensure the pan is thoroughly greased and floured, or use parchment paper to line the bottom of the pan.
• Question 4: What if the glaze is too thick? Add a tablespoon of milk at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Summary & Final Thoughts

This cake mix honey bun cake delivers pure joy in every bite. Its a delightful fusion of comforting flavors and textures, offering a sweet escape thats surprisingly simple to create. The ease of using a cake mix combined with the irresistible honey-cinnamon glaze makes it a winning recipe for any occasion.

Youll appreciate how adaptable this recipe is. Feel free to experiment with different spices, add nuts, or even swirl in a cream cheese filling to make it your own. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert or a crowd-pleasing treat, this cake truly fits the bill.

So, go ahead and give this recipe a try! Were confident youll love the results. Don’t hesitate to share your creations with us, and if you have any tips or variations of your own, feel free to leave a comment below. We love hearing about your baking adventures!

Happy baking!